(Washington DC) – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) applauds the nomination Robert M. Groves for the position of Census Director at the Department of Commerce. President Obama’s nomination of Mr. Groves is an important step in preparing for the 2010 Census, which will officially begin less than a year from now. The Census is important to all Americans, but particularly minority communities, as it will determine various government services as well as Congressional representation.

“The CHC is pleased with the nomination of Robert M. Groves to the head the Census Bureau, and we thank President Obama and Secretary Locke for appointing someone with the knowledge and experience to hit the ground running,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Chair of the CHC. “With less then a year to go, there is a lot of work to do to make sure we have a fair and accurate Census that counts everyone. We look forward to working with Mr. Groves and the rest of the Obama Administration on the upcoming Census. We urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Groves so that he can begin the task ahead.”

Robert Groves is the current Director of the University of Michigan Survey Research Center. He is also a Professor of Sociology and a Research Professor at the Institute for Social Research at that school. From 1990-1992, he was an Associate Director of the U.S. Census Bureau and currentlyserves on the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Board at the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Census Bureau.

“I am confidant Mr. Groves will work hard to enhance the Bureau's efforts to count Latinos through sustained and aggressive community education initiatives,” said Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, 1st Vice Chair of the CHC and Chair of the CHC Civil Rights, Veterans and Worker Protections Task Force. “The CHC looks forward to working with Mr. Groves to ensure the most accurate Census data is collected. Accurate census data enables both the government and the private sector to make informed investments by identifying the needs and potential of our Latino communities.”

# # #The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Hispanic descent. Since 1976 the CHC has been addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in all areas of American life. For more information on the CHC, call (202) 225-2410.